PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, together with PPL, Creative Wales and Arts Council of Northern Ireland, have announced the latest artists that will receive support from the PPL Momentum Music Fund and PPL Momentum Accelerator Tees Valley support.
The artists who have been selected by a network of industry experts to receive PPL Momentum Music funding are:
- Alfie Sharp (England) – Campaign to release new EP ‘CHAOS’ with a focus on digital promotion and live performance to include a 3 date UK tour
- Brooke Combe (Scotland) – EP following the release of the debut album
- Enola Gay (Northern Ireland) – Recording and release of debut album
- Finn Forster (England) – UK headline tour in November 2025
- Lucas Alexander (Wales) – Production, a UK Tour and rollout of new studio album
- Saïna (England) – Recording, mixing and mastering costs, visual production and promotional support of the release of the second EP in a trilogy
- Shelf Lives (England) – Enhanced digital marketing campaign for debut album release
- The Oozes (England) – Releasing a 14-track debut album and creating a series of DIY music videos/short art films
- The Orchestra (For Now) (England) – Promotion and marketing of ‘Plan 76’, the second EP to be released on the band’s own label
- Valtos (Scotland) – Promotion of second album to coincide with headlining 1,300-capacity venues
This latest round features talented artists from across all four nations of the UK, including Valtos from Scotland, who were described as “pathbreaking in the Scottish trad scene” in the Edinburgh Music Review. Enola Gay from Northern Ireland is described as “confrontational and exhilarating” by God Is In The TV Zine , and DJ Mag hailed Lucas Alexander from Wales as “one of the most versatile figures in the Welsh club scene.”
Lucas Alexander said: “Big thanks to all the partners and advisors on the PPL Momentum Music Fund, they helped me move the dial with the PPL Momentum Sbardun Accelerator previously and I’m sure this one will do even more for me. As my career and following is progressing this timely funding will allow me step up to the next level.”
The PPL Momentum Music Fund provides support for artists who have reached a crucial tipping point, have a team already in place and ready to take the next step in their careers. Managed by PRS Foundation, the PPL Momentum Music Fund awards grants of £5,000-£15,000 using funds from PRS Foundation, PPL, Creative Wales and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, PRS Foundation’s PPL Momentum Accelerator offers grants of up to £5,000 to talented artists in targeted regions of the UK with a growing fanbase, currently working to establish a music industry team. The PPL Momentum Accelerator Tees Valley was launched in May this year in partnership with Sonic Futures, Tees Valley Combined Authority and UK Government, adding to the successful PPL Momentum Accelerator initiatives in Liverpool City Region, Wales and Yorkshire.
The first artists to be selected to receive PPL Momentum Accelerator Tees Valley support are:
- Boo (Stockton-on-Tees) – Produce, record, and release an EP, including one high-profile remix, with a full visual and marketing campaign.
- Loren Heat (Middlesbrough) – Putting together a statement single campaign and level-up nationally. It will also allow her to work with press, radio and a social media company.
- Marina Josephina (Stockton-on-Tees) – Production, promotion, and release of her debut EP – a four-track project that will define her sound, showcase her artistic identity, and help reach a national audience.
Marina Joesphina described the PPL Momentum Accelerator fund as “a game-changer”, adding: “It’s giving me the chance to bring my debut EP to life at a level I couldn’t reach on my own. Thank you to all the partners for bringing this opportunity to Tees Valley music scene.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are home to fantastically talented musicians and professionals – and this new funding will support their success and help drive their careers to the next level. This support plays a vital role in nurturing our talent, helping us hear more Teesside voices on the international stage, and it also ensures people can stay local and go far across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
Additionally, PPL Momentum Accelerator support of up to £2,000, which can include micro-grants, mentoring or other holistic support, is offered for Tees Valley-based future music industry professionals to develop their skills and careers. The two Tees Valley-based industry professionals receiving support are:
- Nicola Coaker (Stockton-on-Tees) – Building a strong network of brand partners to create opportunities for local artists helping bring greater visibility and investment into emerging North East talent.
- David Macnab (Darlington) – Developing management skills, setting up own business and learning best administration practices.
Since launching in 2013, the PPL Momentum Music Fund has been transformational for both music creators’ careers and the wider industry. Over £5.2 million has been awarded to artists across the UK, helping to generate £22 million for the UK music industry and support over 300 UK tours and over 1,600 live dates.
